Hair care herbs

Natural herbal rinses are gentle and nourishing for the scalp. They rely upon botanicals, to promote healthy hair and scalp, rather than the synthetic ingredients and chemicals that can damage hair and cause build-up.

Herbal infusions have been used for centuries to naturally soften hair, increase manageability, and restore luster, body and bounce.

Herbal hair rinses can provide a deep cleansing, lighten, darken or enrich your natural hair color, soothe irritation, prevent dandruff or stimulate the scalp to increase growth.

	Good for . . .		Name of herb and hair care description

	Body & Luster		Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis, makes hair more manageable, smoother, silkier, and healthier. Aloe conditions, moisturizes and creates a smooth shine. Mexican woman have applied aloe vera for centuries to add luster and manageability to their hair.

	Hair loss/thinning		Amla, Phyllanthus emblica, an excellent hair conditioning herb, provides nourishment that penetrates the scalp and strengthens hair at its root to promote stronger, healthier new growth and help with hair loss by normalizing blood supply

	Body & Luster		Aritha, Sapindus mukorrosi, also known as Soapnuts, is an excellent hair tonic, long known for its benefits for healthy hair and scalp. Used for centuries as an anti hair loss shampoo, the natural antifungal and antibacterial properties may help with dandruff. The natural saponins not only cleanse hair, they add body and sheen and make hair feel thicker, silky and smooth.

	Hair loss/thinning Body & Luster		Basil, Ocimum basilicum, stimulates hair follicles, increases scalp circulation and promotes hair growth. The magnesium in basil helps protect hair from breakage, and its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the roots. Basil moisturizes and adds luster to dull hair.

	Scalp conditions* Hair loss/thinning		Bhringraj, Eclipta alba, is an ancient Ayurvedic herbal remedy for hair loss, premature graying and skin allergies, which helps rejuvenate skin and hair. Considered the "king of herbs" for hair growth, it adds deep moisture and acts like a multivitamin for hair to help strengthen the hair shaft, provide natural shine and may also helps with dandruff.

	Dark highlights		Black Tea, as a hair rinse is good for premature grayness and darkening hair. It also helps decrease shedding.

	Dark highlights		Black Walnut Hulls, Juglans nigra, are a source of natural hair dye that can darken hair.

	Dry hair & Scalp Oily hair & Scalp Scalp conditions* Hair loss/thinning		Burdock, Arctium lappa, rich in fatty acids that stimulate blood flow to the scalp, nourishes and strengthens hair follicles, to promote healthy hair growth and improve the overall condition of hair. The silica and phytosterols in burdock help soothe irritated scalp conditions like dandruff, decrease breakage, and condition and detangle hair.

	Dry hair & Scalp Oily hair & Scalp Scalp conditions* Blond highlights Red highlights		Calendula, Calendula officinalis, soothing to sensitive scalps, is rich in plant minerals that protect the hair from free radicals, and the scalp from bacterial growth. A calendula hair rinse conditions, adds shine and can be used to create warm highlights.

	Dry hair & Scalp Oily hair & Scalp Scalp conditions* Blond highlights		Chamomile, Matricaria recutita, is used to soothe the scalp and condition hair. It adds highlights to fair hair and a sheen to dark hair and it conditions and softens. Chamomile tea makes a fantastic hair rinse for blonds, strengthens scalp tissues, and promotes healthy hair growth by correcting issues with scalp inflammation.

	Dark highlights		Cloves, Syzgium aromaticum, make great hair rinses to bring warm tones to browns and enhance red and auburn highlights. The warm clove scent is an added bonus.

	Dry hair & Scalp Scalp conditions* Dark highlights		Comfrey, Symphytum officinale, soothes and stimulates the scalp, and enriches lifeless hair. Comfrey tea, made from root or leaves, poured over hair as a rinse, makes hair soft as silk.

	Body & Luster		Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale,

	Dry hair & Scalp Scalp conditions*		Elder Flowers, Sambucus nigra, are mildly astringent and help soothe a dry, irritated scalp. Hair-softening elder flower also helps dry damaged hair.

	Hair loss/thinning Scalp conditions*		Fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum, or Methi, provides natural proteins for the nourishment and health of hair, stimulates blood flow to the root of the hair, and was used to combat hair loss. Used as a treatment for dandruff, thinning hair, and damaged hair, it is said to preserve hair's natural color and keep hair silky.

	Red highlights Scalp conditions*		Hibiscus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, or Javakusuma, is used to lessen gray hair and promote hair growth. The flowers and leaves contain mucilage and plant proteins that help in the treatment of dandruff and hair loss. Hibiscus also helps seal the cuticles to aid with tangles and promotes healthy hair growth by feeding the follicles with nutrients. Provides warm red hues.

	Scalp conditions* Hair loss/thinning		Hops, Humulus lupulus, help heal and repair damaged hair. They contain a nourishing oil that is an effective hair conditioner and thickener. Regarded as useful for hair growth, hops help stimulate scalp circulation. Its antiseptic properties help with dandruff.

	Dry hair & Scalp Oily hair & Scalp Scalp conditions* Body & Luster Hair loss/thinning		Horsetail, Equisetum arvense, is nourishing and hydrating, stimulates blood vessels in the scalp and has been used for centuries as a hair growth herb. The silica in horsetail helps to keep hair strong and adds shine and luster to hair.

	Dry hair & Scalp Oily hair & Scalp Scalp conditions* Hair loss/thinning		Lavender, Lavendula officinalis, has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti fungal and anti-septic properties that help with hair loss, shedding and inflammatory scalp conditrions. Its ability to balance oil production makes it a great hair care herb for all hair types.

	Oily hair & Scalp		Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, a mild astringent, makes a very good rinse for those with oily hair. The toning properties of Lemon Balm help balance and refresh hair and scalp.

	Oily hair & Scalp		Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratum, has astringent and tonic properties that make it useful in the treatment of scalp inflammations. Lemongrass balances skin oil by helping to normalize oil production and is useful for both oily and dry hair.

			Licorice root, Glycyrrhiza glabra, see Yashtimadhu

	Dry hair & Scalp Scalp conditions*		Marsh Mallow, Althaea officinalis, soothes the scalp providing relief from scalp irritation. It also contains mucilage, which provides slip to help detangle, condition and moisturize hair. High in plant proteins, marsh mallow nourishes the scalp promoting healthy hair growth and luster.

	Blond highlights Dry hair & Scalp		Mullein, Verbascum thapsus, rich in mucilage, has been used as a soothing emollient for inflammatory scalp conditions and dry hair and scalp. Mullein can be used as a floral rinse to add golden highlights and brighten hair.

	Dry hair & Scalp Oily hair & Scalp Scalp conditions* Hair loss/thinning Dark highlights Body & Luster		Nettle, Urtica dioica, stimulates the scalp, improves circulation, and helps promote promote fuller, more radiant hair. Nettles have a long-standing reputation for preventing hair loss and making the hair soft and shiny. Nettle, an excellent hair conditioner, is rich in minerals and plant hormones, is tonic and astringent and gives a healthy gloss to hair. Nettle is said to be a remedy for oily hair, dandruff, and hair shaft breakage.

	Blond highlights Body & Luster		Oat Straw, Avena sativa, has emollient qualities promotes softness, body and shine. It contains nutrients that aid in healthy scalp maintenance and hair growth. Oat straw tea brings out highlights in blond hair.

	Dry hair & Scalp Body & Luster Scalp conditions*		Parsley, Petroselinum crispum, moisturizes, gives luster, stimulates growth, soothes scalp inflammation and helps with dandruff. Parsley is high in essential vitamins and antioxidants which is essential for protecting the hair and scalp from free radicals.

	Oily hair & Scalp Scalp conditions* Hair loss/thinning		Peppermint, Mentha piperita, leaves are widely recognized for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and astringent properties. It stimulate nerve endings and increase local blood flow to the scalp and cools and refines the scalp.

	Red highlights		Red Clover, Trifolium pratense, a natural anti-inflammatory, has been used for centuries to help with many types of skin problems. It is one of the most useful remedies for children with eczema. It is also useful for the treatment of other chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis.

	Blond highlights		Rhubarb Root, Rheum sp., tea will create rich, warm honey tones in blonde hair.

	Red highlights Scalp conditions*		Rose Petals, Rosa spp, has healing properties that are useful in treating mild scalp inflammation, moisturizing and nourishing qualities that promote shine and stimulating properties that increase blood supply in the scalp to promote hair growth. Rose petals also brighten red hair.

	Red highlights		Rose Hips, Rosa spp, packed full of Vitamin C, strengthens the hair shaft and brightens red hair.

	Oily hair & Scalp Scalp conditions* Hair loss/thinning Dark highlights Body & Luster		Rosemary, Rosemarinus officinalis, encourages hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp, encourages strong, healthy hair, stimulates growth, increases manageability and adds shine. The stimulating and revitalizing properties of rosemary help condition both hair and scalp

	Dry hair & Scalp Scalp conditions* Hair loss/thinning Dark highlights		Sage, Salvia officinalis, rich in antioxidant, astringent, and antibacterial qualities, is a soothing hair tonic and a natural treatment for scalp dryness. Sage tea adds shine and depth to dark hair and helps darken graying hair. Sage will remove residual shampoo and conditioner that has built up on your hair to leave it shiny and soft.


	Body & Luster		Seaweed or Kelp, mineral rich, adds protection to the surface of hair, reducing moisture loss and infusing it with vitamins. The proteins, in particular, seem to strengthen roots, add body and shine and condition the scalp and hair. Some Hairstylists have found the nutrients in seaweed a great way to help limp and lifeless hair.

	Body & Luster Hair loss/thinning		Shikakai, Acacia concinna, is referred to as "fruit for the hair." It has a naturally mild pH, and it gently cleans hair and increases bounciness and silkiness of hair without stripping it of natural oils. As a natural hair conditioner, Shikakai is said to promote hair growth, strengthen hair roots and clear dandruff.

	Oily hair & Scalp Scalp conditions* Hair loss/thinning		Thyme, Thymus vulgaris, has antiseptic and antifungal properties that cleanse, heal and soothe the scalp. Thyme is often used in deep cleansing shampoos, helps ease dandruff and stimulates hair follicles to help with hair loss.

	Hair loss/thinning		Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum, or Holy Basil, is helpful in conditioning the scalp by improving blood circulation thereby helping cells receive the nutrients and oxygen. It is also useful for dandruff and general hair care.

	Oily hair & Scalp		Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana, leaves and bark are astringent and help deep clean oily hair

	Oily hair & Scalp		Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, is effective for treating dandruff, itchiness, scalp irritation and oily scalp. It has also been shown to help counteract hair loss. Regular use of a strong yarrow tea will lighten hair.

	Hair loss/thinning Dry hair & Scalp		Yashtimadhu, Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as Muleti or Licorice, is a traditional herbal remedy used in India and around the world. The root is good for improving hair growth and is often used in products to help with hair loss. It is helps keep the scalp moist and hydrated and helps strengthen the hair shaft.

	Hair loss/thinning Dry hair & Scalp Scalp conditions*		Yucca Root, Yucca schidigera, an emollient that contains natural saponins, a natural cleansing and foaming agent, making it an ideal ingredient in shampoo and other hair care products. It soothes and nourishes the scalp. Navajos swear by yucca root to prevent hair loss and to cure dandruff.